Webber encouraged by Red Bull reliability

The Milton Keynes-based squad had a troubled year in 2007, with several reliability problems hindering their chances of a better position in the championship.

Red Bull's drivers Webber and David Coulthard suffered a total of eight retirements through mechanical problems last year and the team have worked had to make sure the problems are rectified in the new RB4.

Webber says he has been very happy with the reliability so far, especially from Red Bull's side.

"The reliability has been really encouraging for us, especially from the Red Bull for the Milton Keynes side," Webber told a news conference in Australia.

"We've had a few Renault issues which have stopped us on track but as far as gearbox and a lot of the Achilles Heels that we had last year.

"A lot of that equipment has been pulled down very well at the end of each night so we're very encouraged by how those components are running at this early stage and all things being equal we should have at least the most reliable car that we've had for a long time coming into the season, which is good."

Webber also believes Ferrari and McLaren are still a step ahead of their rivals, and even BMW will have a hard time trying to fight with them.

"It's going to be a tough ride for the teams," added Webber. "I mean, BMW are looking very keen to do that (fight Ferrari and McLaren).

"Obviously they shut development down very early for the last year's car to focus on this year's one because they were comfortably third in the constructors' and were in a position to do that and they've bought a car out which doesn't seem to be on the level they would have hoped for.

"Yes, they've improved it in the last few weeks but I don't think they really in a position to challenge a Ferrari or McLaren yet so that's the team that I think a lot of people expected to be able to launch into them but it hasn't happened."